It’s The Norm Johnson 9-5-10

Visited the Tropicana Hotel the other evening, for a preview of its new steak restaurant, “Biscayne Steak, Sea & Wine,” as part of the Tropicana’s Phase One $165 million transformation. I must tell you readers, it is a beautiful addition to a great icon of our city.

At one time, the Tropicana was considered “The Queen” of the Las Vegas Strip. This writer and the hotel go a long way back, when I made my first trip to Las Vegas in 1958. I casually walked into the recently opened Tropicana, went up to the front desk and asked for a room. I was asked if I had a reservation, and of course I hadn’t thought of that. I was then informed that if I wanted a room, the first one would become available in two months. It was sold out that far in advance. I later learned that all the stars of entertainment and VIPs stayed at the Tropicana.  We, a girlfriend and myself, ended up staying at a hotel on the Strip that had a glass swimming pool.

My next experience came when I traveled to Las Vegas in 1960, with former heavyweight champion of the world, Joe Louis, to watch a title fight at the, then, almost new Convention Center on Paradise Road. We stayed at the Tropicana.

The Tropicana of today cannot be compared to its past. It is once again beautiful, and will certainly gain back its title as “The Queen,” when the work is completed. There is no doubt in my mind! The décor is definitely different than what it was even a couple of years ago. The motif is white, white and more white everywhere. The pathway leading from the main entrance of the hotel to various areas of the newly remodeled interior is made of beautiful highly polished white marble tiles. The carpeting is all new, and you just feel good walking along the path to the escalator that will take you up to the mezzanine level, where the new restaurants are located.

Biscayne’s space creates a relaxed feel of casual elegance, set in a tropical South Beach style—which is in keeping with the interior and exterior styling of the new Tropicana. I spent many an evening in the old steak house, celebrating a birthday or two, or with good friends over a great bottle of wine. The new menu reinterprets the classic steakhouse concept with an innovative island flair. It features a variety of delicious starters, including Kobe beef sliders. The main courses include prime steaks, chops and a selection of Safe Harbor certified fresh fish dishes. And, more than 200 different wines from around the world. Biscayne Steak, Sea & Wine, is open Thursday—Monday from 5:00 to 11:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Call (800) 462-8767 for further information.

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

Now that school is back in session, and the kids are hitting those books (hopefully), it’s time for the moms out there to kick back and kick up those heels, and head for, “Stripper 101,” at the “V” Theater inside the Miracle Mile Mall at the Aladdin Hotel. During the month of September “V” theater owner David Saxe has invited ladies of all ages and sizes to attend the popular pole dancing classes and whoop it up. Classes are held every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and are led by former Las Vegas strippers, who today are “soccer moms,” and who only want one thing, “to bring back sexy.” Cost is $25 and is definitely designed to help ladies bring back that sensual side they once possessed, and perhaps have forgotten how to use! These classes are for women only. There is no nudity involved or allowed. Call (702) 260-7200 for further information or check it out at  HYPERLINK “http://www.stripper101.com” www.stripper101.com.

Cloris Leachman. The Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe winning actress will perform, “Cloris Leachman: A One Women Show,” Sept. 18 and 19 at the Suncoast Hotel, with showtime set for 7:30 p.m. each night. Leachman won her Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in “The Last Picture Show,” in 1971, and went on to collect 9 Emmy statues. During her show, Cloris draws from magical moments of a dynamic career, that began when she was named Miss Chicago for the Miss America contest of 1946.

She will tell stories, sing a song or two and show video clips from some of her movie and television career. Tickets start at $34.95 plus tax.

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